Joshua Ryan Knox, a 37-year-old man from Hope Mills, North Carolina, was tragically shot and killed on January 15, 2025. The incident occurred shortly before 7 p.m. in the 2400 block of John Smith Road, where officers responded to reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they found Knox suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities quickly launched an investigation and identified three individuals who may have had information pertinent to the case.
Among them was Marvin Bernard Smith, a 56-year-old man who was later arrested in Georgia by U.S. Marshals. Smith was charged with first-degree murder in connection with Knox’s death. Additionally, William Earl Hardy Jr., a 55-year-old man from Harnett County, was arrested and charged as an accessory after the fact. Hardy was accused of harboring Smith at his home and misleading authorities about his whereabouts. His bail was set at $50,000.
Investigators also took Jereka Ferguson, a 44-year-old individual, into custody on a separate charge of possession of methamphetamine. While arrests have been made, the Hope Mills Police Department has stated that the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities continue to seek additional information regarding the case.
